Blog 2 - The Turtle Island News
Breaking News

White House says it has the right to punish AP reporters over Gulf naming dispute

By David Bauder NEW YORK (AP) — The White House said Wednesday that news organizations that refuse to use President Donald Trump’s new name for the Gulf of Mexico were telling “lies” and insisted it would continue to bar Associated Press journalists from presidential events. Trump has decreed that the international body of water — which borders Mexico, the United States and other nations — be called the Gulf of America. In its influential Stylebook, the AP said it would continue to use Gulf of Mexico, while also noting Trump’s decision, to ensure that names of geographical features are recognizable around the world. The White House’s outright attempt at regulating language used by independent media — and the punitive measures attached to it — mark a sharp escalation in Trump’s...

This content is for Yearly Subscription, Yearly Subscription - Corporate, Print Subscription Only, and Canada Print and Online members only.
Register
Already a member? Log in here

Trump readies matching tariffs on trade partners, possibly setting up a major economic showdown

By Josh Boak WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is taking additional action to upset the world trade system, with plans to sign an order as soon as Wednesday that would require that U.S. tariffs on imports match the tax rates charged by other countries. “It’s time to be reciprocal,” Trump told reporters earlier this week. “You’ll be hearing that word a lot. Reciprocal. If they charge us, we charge them.” The president had suggested that the order would come on Tuesday or Wednesday. But when Tuesday passed without the tariffs being officially announced, Trump was asked if he would sign the order on Wednesday and Trump answered: “We’ll see what happens.” On Wednesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said she believes that the tariffs would come before Thursday’s...

This content is for Yearly Subscription, Yearly Subscription - Corporate, Print Subscription Only, and Canada Print and Online members only.
Register
Already a member? Log in here

Unlocking northern opportunities

By Sandi Krasowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Chronicle-Journal Indigenous communities throughout Northwestern Ontario could have better opportunities for economic growth and new business development thanks to a $2.5-million investment from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, (FedNor). Patty Hajdu, minister of Indigenous Services and minister responsible for FedNor, made the funding announcement Tuesday in Thunder Bay while attending the Neegani-Iishwin Gathering at the Valhalla Inn. Hajdu said the investments total $2,665,565 for seven initiatives supported and led by Indigenous communities and organizations in the Northwest. “These initiatives will enhance the ability of First Nations communities to lead and benefit from business development within their traditional territories,” Hajdu told The Chronicle-Journal. “The projects include the delivery of several critical plans and strategies, the hiring of skilled professionals including...

This content is for Yearly Subscription, Yearly Subscription - Corporate, Print Subscription Only, and Canada Print and Online members only.
Register
Already a member? Log in here

First Nation calls on Alaskan fishery to stop intercepting vulnerable salmon

By Andie Mollins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tŝilhqot’in chiefs are calling on the Alaskan District 104 Fishery to stop intercepting vulnerable salmon stocks bound for their territory, stating the fishery’s harvesting is infringing on Tŝilhqot’in Aboriginal rights. “Our people depend on the salmon run every year to ensure that our families do not go hungry,” Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse said in a Feb. 11 press release issued by the Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG). The chiefs are making their call at the Pacific Salmon Commission’s fortieth annual meeting in Portland, Ore. The commission works to implement the Pacific Salmon Treaty which authorizes the Alaskan Salmon Fishery. “Year after year we are faced with record low Chilko sockeye returns while the Alaskan 104 Fishery catches these salmon without limit,” said Alphonse. In...

This content is for Yearly Subscription, Yearly Subscription - Corporate, Print Subscription Only, and Canada Print and Online members only.
Register
Already a member? Log in here

Brantford Police arrest second person in robbery and shooting

BRANTFORD, ONT- Brantford Police Service (BPS) has arrested and charged a Mississauga man  in a robbery and shooting in the city Jan. 22, 2025. BPS said  as a result of continued investigation  an 18-year-old man was arrested Feb. 10, 2025 and has been charged with: Attempt to murder x 2 Point firearm Robbery with a firearm Weapons Dangerous Assault with a weapon Aggravated assault Discharge firearm with intent Unauthorized possession of firearm Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm Disguise with intent Careless use of firearm, weapon, ammunition Discharge firearm with intent to wound Possession of stolen property over $5000.00 Flight from police The man was held for bail to  appear at bail court February 11, 2025. The second arrest comes after a 21-year-old Dundalk man was was “quickly located by...

This content is for Yearly Subscription, Yearly Subscription - Corporate, Print Subscription Only, and Canada Print and Online members only.
Register
Already a member? Log in here

Mohawk Chapel warning of potential scam

Mohawk Chapel in Brantford warns of alleged scam website By Joshua Santos Writer Six Nations Police are investigating after officials of Six Nation’s historic Mohawk Chapel raised concerns that a “fraudulent website” is mirroring the chapel site and may be soliciting funds. Mohawk Chapel represents said, they learned recently that another Mohawk Chapel website has surfaced impersonating its official page complete with a fundraising section that once activated could see funds designated for the preservation of Indigenous heritage misdirected. Six Nations Police Chief Darren Montour told Turtle Island News the police force had been contacted is “looking into this.” His Majesty’s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks, 301 Mohawk St., has now published a notice on its website stating its domain is the only official websiteand entity authorized with the upkeep...

This content is for Yearly Subscription, Yearly Subscription - Corporate, Print Subscription Only, and Canada Print and Online members only.
Register
Already a member? Log in here

Six Nations federal schools will now administer Jordan’s Principle dollars

Six Nations may have found a solution to the Jordan’s Principle woes, but some councillors are concerned. Councillor Audrey Powless-Bomberry, chair of the Education Committee shared an update from the committee at the Six Nations Elected Council’s (SNEC) General Council meeting on January 28. She said Six Nations federal schools would now administer Jordan’s Principal to parents. “It makes a lot of sense,” she said. “They’re working in tandem with Six Nation’s Jordan’s Principle and a lot of applications are put in with the school,” she said. The committee received a presentation from Travis Anderson, director of federal schools with Indigenous Services Canada. Anderson told the committee the federal school’s Jordan’s Principle Group application was approved. Parents can now apply through the schools. Powless-Bomberry said they met with principals and...

This content is for Yearly Subscription, Yearly Subscription - Corporate, Print Subscription Only, and Canada Print and Online members only.
Register
Already a member? Log in here

Six Nations restaurant owners suspect arson after devastating fire

By Joshua Santos Writer The owners of a popular Six Nations restaurant say they believe arson was behind the fire that raged through its establishment late January, though an official report from the Office of the Fire Marshal has yet to be released. Burger Barn owners Jason and Celeste Hill took to social media, calling the blaze a “heinous act” that has temporarily shuttered their award-winning business. “Intentionally destroying the family restaurant that we worked so hard to build from the ground up over the last 14 years is not only a truly disgusting scheme, but a cowardly one,” the Hills wrote in a statement. The fire broke out at the popular Fourth Line restaurant on Jan. 27 at about 3:30 a.m. leaving the barn-like building heavily damaged. Flames guttered...

This content is for Yearly Subscription, Yearly Subscription - Corporate, Print Subscription Only, and Canada Print and Online members only.
Register
Already a member? Log in here

Six Nations Police arrest three in altercation over stolen truck

Three people have been arrested after police fired a shot into a rear tire to stop a stolen vehicle that was being driven erratically through the community. Six Nations Police said the incident at Third Line Road and Mohawk Road Friday (Feb. 7th) saw the truck almost colliding with other motorists several times before the pickup became stuck in the snow along Third Line Road near Mohawk Road. Police said when officers blocked in the truck, in an attempt at escape, the truck driver drove at the driver’s door of one of the cruisers striking an officer with an open door. As a result, the officer discharged his firearm into the rear tire of the vehicle to disable the vehicle. The driver and two passengers were arrested. No injuries were...

This content is for Yearly Subscription, Yearly Subscription - Corporate, Print Subscription Only, and Canada Print and Online members only.
Register
Already a member? Log in here

Police warn of romance scams this Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day approaching, many people are looking for love, while scammers are searching for victims. The Ontario Provincial Police is warning about the rise of romance scams, where fraudsters build trust and manipulate emotions to steal money. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), Canadians lost $58.4 million to romance scams in 2024. The total amount of investment fraud reached $310 million.Police state scammers use artificial intelligence to manipulate victims with fake voices and pictures. Bad faith actors establish trust and emotional intimacy through fake profiles on social media, dating platforms and other online channels. Once trust is gained, victims are pressured into sending money or investing in fraudulent business ventures. Romance schemes often can be identified, police say, when someone you’ve never met in person declares their love...

This content is for Yearly Subscription, Yearly Subscription - Corporate, Print Subscription Only, and Canada Print and Online members only.
Register
Already a member? Log in here

Six Nations business owner helps employees in tragic time

By Joshua Santos Writer Mandy Plourde worked her last shift at the Burger Barn the day before a monstrous blaze consumed the business late January. She served customers on Jan. 26 before a fire ravaged the Fourth Line restaurant on Jan. 27 at about 3:30 a.m. She said she was in total shock. She was all of a sudden without a job. “I was there the night before,” said Plourde. “I was grateful nobody was at the place when it happened. “I was in total shock.” Six Nations Police said the popular restaurant was hit by two violent attacks. A shooting spree occurred on Jan. 25 followed by, what is believed to be, a suspect arson attack on Jan. 27. Police continue to investigate if the two incidents are connected....

This content is for Yearly Subscription, Yearly Subscription - Corporate, Print Subscription Only, and Canada Print and Online members only.
Register
Already a member? Log in here

Trump … again!

Just three weeks into Donald Trump’s second term who would have ever thought the world would look to the U.S. president as a danger not just to his country, but the world. Granted everyone see him as a vindictive irrational look at me troll who doesn’t seem to understand his place in the world. He has without question shocked democracies around the world with his egotistical get even attitude that has taken hold. But simply put Trump is on a revenge rant. He is punishing anyone he sees as a threat to his term using his office to take shots at political opponents, FBI agencies, prosecutors, media, journalists and at the same time pardoning the 1,500 convicted Capitol Hill rioters. At the same time, he withdrew the security clearance of...

This content is for Yearly Subscription, Yearly Subscription - Corporate, Print Subscription Only, and Canada Print and Online members only.
Register
Already a member? Log in here

Today in History

Feb 16 In 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cancelled his trip to Barbados to deal with rail disruptions caused by protests against a multi-billion-dollar pipeline project that crosses First Nations territory in northern B.C. Feb 18 In 2019, Gerald Butts, Justin Trudeau’s principal secretary and long-time friend, resigned amid allegations that the Prime Minister’s Office interfered to prevent criminal prosecution of SNC-Lavalin. Butts released a statement in which he categorically denied the accusation that he or anyone else in the PMO improperly pressured former attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould to help the Montreal engineering giant avoid prosecution on corruption and bribery charges related to contracts in Libya. While he said the accusation simply wasn’t true, it was distracting from the vital work Trudeau was doing. Feb 19 In 1889, Saskatchewan Metis...

This content is for Yearly Subscription, Yearly Subscription - Corporate, Print Subscription Only, and Canada Print and Online members only.
Register
Already a member? Log in here

Icy Plunge in Support of Special Olympics

“That was cold!” Six Nations Police Chief Darren Montour says after joining police forces from around the area in an icy Pre-Plunge Feb. 6 at Pinehurst Lake near Paris. The event is a prelude to the annual Polar Plunge March 6th at Brantford’s Wayne Gretzky Centre in support of the 2025 Special Olympics Ontario Summer Games being hosted in Brantford, Brant County and at Six Nations where the Bocce Ball competition will be held in July. Also taking the plunge were Brant County OPP Inspector Andrea Quenneville and Brantford Police Chie, Jason Saunders and Special Olympics athletes Kailee Mitchell and Sarah Orgar!...

This content is for Yearly Subscription, Yearly Subscription - Corporate, Print Subscription Only, and Canada Print and Online members only.
Register
Already a member? Log in here

Martin and Rock teammates celebrate Indigenous Heritage

By Sam Laskaris Writer Saturday was a rather special night for Six Nations member Justin Martin. And the only thing that would have made the evening better would have been if Martin and his Toronto Rock teammates had managed to register a win. But the Rock came up a bit short during their annual Indigenous Heritage Night as they were edged 11-10 by the visiting San Diego Seals in their National Lacrosse League (NLL) match. The Rock are playing their home contests at Paramount Fine Food Centre in Mississauga this season while renovations are taking place at their home rink, FirstOntario Centre in Hamilton. Though numerous Six Nations members are spread out on various NLL rosters, Martin, who is in his second season with the Rock, is the only local...

This content is for Yearly Subscription, Yearly Subscription - Corporate, Print Subscription Only, and Canada Print and Online members only.
Register
Already a member? Log in here

Dreamcatcher Family Day lacrosse tournament popular event

By Sam Laskaris Writer A popular youth lacrosse event will be held once again this coming Monday. The Dreamcatcher 3 on 3 Family Day Lacrosse Tournament at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena (ILA) marks tree years for the event. Twenty clubs took part and instead of having the traditional six players per side on the floor at one time, this event featured three runners and a goalie per team. Squads could have up to 10 players, including one goalie, on their roster. They will change on the fly for 3 on 3 action. Josh Powless, the events co-ordinator for the host Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation, said there is always huge interest in this event. “This year we filled up in three hours,” he said after registration opened up last month. The tournament...

This content is for Yearly Subscription, Yearly Subscription - Corporate, Print Subscription Only, and Canada Print and Online members only.
Register
Already a member? Log in here

Local Rez Hoops tournament sees record number of participants

By Sam Laskaris Writer Another successful Rez Hoops tournament is in the books. The three-day local basketball event concluded on Sunday. This marked the seventh year of the annual tournament. A record number of 20 squads took part in the event. All matches were held at the Dajoh Youth & Elders Centre. “It was awesome,” tournament director Kevin Sandy said of the event. “The gym was packed and we had an amazing time.” The tourney featured four age groupings, from elementary school children to adults. And Six Nations-based clubs ended up winning three of those divisions. Sandy is confident the tournament will continue to grow. He anticipates another record number of competitors in 2026. “It will (grow) for sure,” he said. “I had to turn away two teams at the...

This content is for Yearly Subscription, Yearly Subscription - Corporate, Print Subscription Only, and Canada Print and Online members only.
Register
Already a member? Log in here

Ontario artist’s Super Bowl football design celebrates Indigenous culture

By Dan Ralph Growing up, Quentin Commanda dreamt of playing in the NFL and reaching the Super Bowl. The pro football career never happened, but Commanda is closer to Super Bowl LIX than most. The NFL unveiled a football designed by the 44-year-old Nipissing First Nation (Garden Village, Ont.) artist last week as part of its lead-up to Sunday’s game in New Orleans. “Football was something I was very passionate about growing up and the NFL was always something I kind of imagined playing in,” Commanda said. “But I realize this is a huge platform and an amazing opportunity and I wanted to make the best of it. “To be part of the Super Bowl, I am very much aware of the impact it will have. It still doesn’t feel...

This content is for Yearly Subscription, Yearly Subscription - Corporate, Print Subscription Only, and Canada Print and Online members only.
Register
Already a member? Log in here
error: Content is protected !!